Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Grid Setting: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, David Croft points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately 20 minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the winner. Mind you, second place in this race was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
